{"id":71752,"date":"2026-05-06T10:22:03","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T10:22:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2026\/05\/06\/pakistans-first-chinese-submarine-set-to-boost-naval-capability\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T01:29:42","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T01:29:42","slug":"pakistans-first-chinese-submarine-set-to-boost-naval-capability","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/global\/asia-pacific\/2026\/05\/06\/pakistans-first-chinese-submarine-set-to-boost-naval-capability\/","title":{"rendered":"Pakistan\u2019s first Chinese submarine set to boost naval capability"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NEW DELHI \u2014 Pakistan has commissioned the first of eight advanced Chinese submarines, marking a significant step in strengthening its maritime capabilities and deepening defense cooperation with its close ally Beijing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A ceremony to commission the attack submarine called Hangor was held in the Chinese city of Sanya on April 30 in the presence of Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and navy chief Naveed Ashraf as well as senior Chinese military officials, according to a Pakistani statement. Sanya, a port city, hosts a major submarine base of the People\u2019s Liberation Army.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The diesel-electric Hangor-class submarine is an export variant of China\u2019s 039A Yuan-class submarines. It has a displacement of approximately 2,800 tons. Armed with advanced sensors, torpedoes and anti-ship cruise missiles that can strike surface warships, submarines and land-based facilities, these Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) conventional boats aim to enhance the Pakistan navy\u2019s undersea warfare capability. The AIP submarines can remain under water significantly longer without needing to surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The deal for the eight Chinese submarines, struck in 2015, is estimated at $5 billion. Four boats are being built in China and the remaining four will be built in Pakistan under a technology-transfer agreement. All four Chinese-built boats are scheduled to be inducted by 2028.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pakistani President Zardari described the commissioning of the first Chinese attack submarine as a \u201chistoric milestone\u201d in the South Asian country\u2019s naval modernization. Until now, Islamabad operates a fleet of eight submarines including three mini ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\t